Just about everyone is familiar with First Aid and terms like CPR. This is essential knowledge for many people in the workplace where they may be in a position to care for a colleague, client or customer. First aid, delivered properly, can save lives, which is why such a level of importance is placed on this knowledge.
That's all very well for physical health, but what about people's mental health? One in five people in Australia suffer from a mental illness every year. That is just a statistic of course, so let's put it in perspective. If you have a workplace that employs twenty people, then four of them are likely to suffer a mental health issue in any one year. This could be a very common mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. However people you come in contact with may have more chronic issues such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Knowing how to deal with these issues from a mental health first aid perspective can be very helpful.
In addition to the mental health issues that have already been mentioned, there is also the problem of suicide. According to statistics, seven people die from suicide every day in Australia. Again, let's relate that to something more common. Death by suicide in Australia is twice as common as death on the roads! It's quite sad that such a prolific cause of death in Australia receives so little recognition when compared to the number of advertisements we see about the road toll.
Suicide can be the result of constant battles with mental health issues, but can also be the result of hopelessness. People who take their lives by suicide are not all afflicted with a mental health condition.
A knowledge of mental health first aid can help you recognise the signs of mental ill health and the despondency that may lead to suicide. The mental health first aid course will also give you an insight into the various mental illnesses that can affect anyone. Mental illness is not necessarily discriminatory. Who knows, by doing the Mental Health First Aid Course, you may just save a life. Now isn't that worth something?
To find out more about Mental Health First Aid courses you can contact Greg Currie at Northern District Community Health Service on 54510200 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Greg can provide these services in Boort, Pyramid Hill, Mitiamo and district. For Wedderburn, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Tarnagulla and district, contact Ric Raftis of Bushsong Mental Health First Aid Training on 0407 42100 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
